Rio Grande Valley College: 818 Students

818Students

78%Grad Rate (6-yr)

Private forprofit2-yearData: 2023-24

About Rio Grande Valley College

Rio Grande Valley College serves the border community of Pharr with career-focused programs designed for working adults and recent high school graduates. The school enrolls 818 students in a small city setting. This for-profit institution has built its reputation around healthcare and technical training programs that connect directly to local job markets.

Students face substantial costs with an average net price of $20,678 annually. Even low-income families earning under $30,000 pay around $20,028 per year. Graduates typically earn $38,582 in their first year after completing programs, rising to $44,608 after five years. The median debt load reaches $12,359 with monthly payments of $131. The employment rate of 93% suggests strong job placement, but only 33.54% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule.

The student body reflects the local community with 98.90% Hispanic enrollment and 100% in-state students. Women make up 82.15% of enrollment, typical for programs in healthcare and allied health fields. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant financial need. The 30:1 student-faculty ratio means less individual attention than at traditional colleges, though the 77.90% six-year graduation rate shows most students complete their programs successfully.

Academics & Faculty

Rio Grande Valley College focuses on career-oriented programs that prepare students for immediate employment in the Rio Grande Valley's growing economy. With an 818-student enrollment and 30:1 student-faculty ratio, classes tend to be larger than at traditional community colleges, requiring students to be more self-directed in their learning. The school achieves a solid 77.9% six-year graduation rate despite the hands-off approach. Nearly all students (98.9%) are Hispanic, reflecting the college's role serving the local border community. The 93% employment rate demonstrates strong job placement, though the relatively low 33.54% loan repayment rate suggests graduates face financial challenges early in their careers.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 30:1
Full-Time Faculty: 85.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 77.9%

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Certificate	$41,193

View all 8 programs →

Campus Life

Rio Grande Valley College sits in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley, just 10 miles from the Mexican border and about 250 miles south of San Antonio. With 82% of students being women, the small campus of 818 students creates an intimate learning environment where everyone knows each other. The subtropical climate means students need sunscreen year-round rather than winter coats, with temperatures rarely dropping below 50 degrees.

The 30:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the practical, career-focused atmosphere that defines campus life. Nearly 99% of students are Hispanic, creating a predominantly bilingual environment where Spanish flows as naturally as English in hallways and study groups. Since this is a commuter school with no residential housing, weekends often mean students return to family obligations or part-time jobs throughout the Valley. The 93% employment rate suggests students here are serious about entering the workforce quickly. Social life centers around study groups and professional networking rather than traditional college parties, reflecting the school's mission to prepare students for immediate career entry in healthcare and technical fields.

Setting: City-Small

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 48°–70°F
July Avg: 76°–96°F
Annual Precipitation: 24.1"
Annual Snowfall: 0.1"

Student Demographics

Rio Grande Valley College draws almost entirely from the local Hispanic community, with nearly 99% Hispanic enrollment and 100% in-state students. Women make up 82% of the student body, reflecting the college's focus on healthcare and allied health programs that traditionally attract female students. About 48% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families in the Rio Grande Valley. The tight geographic focus creates a close-knit campus culture where students often know each other from their hometowns and share similar cultural backgrounds.

Men: 17.9%
Women: 82.2%
White: 0.2%
Black: 0.2%
Hispanic: 98.9%
Asian: 0.4%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 47.9%

Location

Rio Grande Valley College sits in Pharr, Texas, just 10 miles west of McAllen in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley. The campus serves a community where 98.90% of students are Hispanic, reflecting the heavily Latino culture of this border region. Pharr is part of the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission metropolitan area, located about 250 miles south of San Antonio and just 7 miles from the Mexican border. The Valley, as locals call it, is known for its agricultural economy, growing citrus fruits and vegetables year-round in the subtropical climate. All students come from in-state, with 100% Texas residency rates showing the college's deep local roots. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare Rio Grande Valley College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Pharr, Texas 78577-2106

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (5 years): $44,608
Loan Repayment Rate: 33.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $131/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,359

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Rio Grande Valley College?

Rio Grande Valley College operates as an open-enrollment institution with 100% of students coming from in-state. The school primarily serves the Hispanic community in the Rio Grande Valley, with 98.90% of students identifying as Hispanic.

How much does Rio Grande Valley College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $20,678 annually, with costs staying relatively consistent across income levels. Nearly half of students (47.85%) receive Pell Grants, though only 9.78% receive institutional grants averaging $6,451.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Rio Grande Valley College?

The college maintains a 30:1 student-to-faculty ratio across its 818 enrolled students. This private for-profit institution focuses on career-oriented programs that prepare students for immediate workforce entry.

Does Rio Grande Valley College have good job placement rates?

The college boasts a 93% employment rate with graduates earning a median of $44,608 five years after completion. However, only 33.54% of borrowers are successfully repaying their loans, with typical monthly payments of $131.

Where is Rio Grande Valley College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Pharr, Texas, a small city in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley. With women comprising 82.15% of the student body, the campus reflects the region's focus on healthcare and service industry training.

What makes Rio Grande Valley College unique compared to other schools?

The college achieves an impressive 77.90% six-year graduation rate for a for-profit institution while serving an almost entirely Hispanic student population. Students graduate with a relatively modest median debt of $12,359, making it accessible for first-generation college students in South Texas.